The room fell silent as Franklin City Council candidate Valerie Blake reached into a plastic pumpkin bucket and withdrew a slip of paper. Her opponent, former school board member Al Warner, followed suit.

Whoever drew the higher number would win the race, tied at 153 votes per candidate. Blake, the incumbent, drew 1 and Warner drew 8, making him the next City Council representative for Ward 3.

The candidates tied in the City Council election last Tuesday, leading to a recount on Monday evening at the Franklin Elks Lodge. When the recount confirmed the tie, the city then moved to a paper draw, per city ordinance, to determine the winner. 

“I’ve tried to run not against anyone but for principles,” Warner said after his win. “It behooves us to remember the many hours of service Valerie’s given. I hope to be able to complete my three years as councilor and make my contribution.”

Warner described himself as “basically speechless” at the draw’s conclusion.

“It’s important to note how hard the election staff work,” Warner added. “I have the greatest level of respect for the people who work the elections in Ward 3. They are above reproach. I have zero doubt in these people. I’m glad it came out to be a tie because it verifies the integrity of the system and of the election workers.”

Ahead of the recount, city clerk Michelle Stanyan explained to town residents and City Council members how the recount would be structured, with the election moderator for Ward 3, Cameron Temple, overseeing the process.

“Never in my Franklin career did I think we’d have a tie,” Stanyan said.

Mayor Desiree McLaughlin said she felt excited watching the process and added how much she trusts the moderators and election staff.

“They were both elected,” McLaughlin said of the candidates. “It would be really great to have that decisive vote, but they both fulfill the spirit of the election process.”

Blake expressed disappointment at her loss but wished Warner luck in his new role.

“I’m not going away,” she said. “I’ve always been active in Franklin and will continue to do so.”

Blake added that she respects the process and knows it came down to “the luck of the draw.”

“I don’t even buy lottery tickets, so the notion of my fate being determined by 10 pieces of paper is very odd,” Blake added.

The city also recounted ballots for Ward 2, in which Thomas Boyce won against Sam Jacobson by 6 votes. The recount confirmed Boyce’s win.

Rachel Wachman can be reached at rwachman@cmonitor.com.